Top 7 Places to Visit in France Outside of Paris

The best places to visit in France include Provence (lavender fields, hilltop villages), Loire Valley (fairy-tale châteaux), Normandy (D-Day beaches, dramatic coastlines), Alsace (wine villages), and the French Riviera (glamorous coastal towns). Each region offers distinct cultural experiences and natural attractions.

Plan at least 7-10 days to explore 2-3 regions properly, allowing 3-4 days per region. For shorter trips, focus on one main area like Provence or Loire Valley. April-June and September-October offer the best weather and fewer crowds for visiting places to visit in France.

A car significantly enhances exploration of rural best places to visit in France like Alsace, Burgundy, and Provence's countryside villages. However, major cities like Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, and Nice are easily accessible by France's excellent train network, making cars optional for urban-focused trips.

Spring (April-June) suits Loire Valley and Provence; summer (July-August) is ideal for the French Riviera and Alps; September-October is perfect for wine regions during harvest season. Northern regions like Normandy are best in late spring when weather is mild and daylight hours are longest.

Some destinations like Reims (50 minutes) and Chantilly (30 minutes) work as day trips. However, regions like Provence, French Riviera, and Alsace require 2-3 nights minimum to truly experience their unique character, local cuisine, and cultural offerings beyond rushed tourist highlights.